Born: 1923 (Toronto, Canada)
Died: 2017
Biography:
Cathleen Synge Morawetz (May 5, 1923 – August 8, 2017) was a Canadian mathematician who spent much of her career in the United States. She made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the study of the partial differential equations governing fluid flow, especially those occurring in transonic flow.
Morawetz was born on May 5, 1923, in Toronto, Canada. Her father, John Lighton Synge, was an Irish mathematician known for his work in the geometry of general relativity. Her mother also had an interest in mathematics, which created a supportive environment for Morawetz’s own pursuits.
Her childhood was split between Ireland and Canada, but regardless of her location, her parents encouraged her interest in mathematics and science. Morawetz was particularly influenced by a family friend, Cecilia Krieger, who was a woman mathematician. Krieger’s encouragement played a significant role in Morawetz’s decision to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics.
Morawetz attended the University of Toronto, where she received her undergraduate degree in 1945. She went on to complete her master’s degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1946. During her time at MIT, Morawetz began to delve into the field of mathematics research.
In 1951, Morawetz earned her Ph.D. in mathematics from New York University (NYU). Her doctoral thesis, entitled Contracting Spherical Shocks Treated by a Perturbation Method, focused on the stability of a spherical implosion. Morawetz worked under the supervision of Kurt Otto Friedrichs, a prominent mathematician at NYU.
After completing her doctorate, Morawetz spent a year as a research associate at MIT before returning to the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at NYU as a research associate. During this time, she had the freedom to concentrate solely on her research without teaching obligations. Her work during this period covered various areas of applied mathematics, including viscosity, compressible fluids, and transonic flows.
One of the significant contributions of Morawetz’s research was in the mathematics of transonic flow, which refers to the flow of air around an aircraft at speeds close to or just below the speed of sound. She showed that shock waves, which can slow down an aircraft, develop even with small perturbations in the air, such as gusts of wind or imperfections in the wing. This discovery challenged the belief that specially designed shockless airfoils could eliminate shocks in transonic flow.
Morawetz’s research and findings were highly influential, particularly in the field of aeronautics. Her work paved the way for further advancements in designing more efficient and safer aircraft.
In addition to her research contributions, Morawetz played a crucial role in academia. She served as a professor at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at NYU and was the director of the institute from 1984 to 1988. Morawetz mentored numerous students and inspired future mathematicians with her groundbreaking work.
For her exceptional contributions to the field of mathematics, Morawetz received several prestigious awards and honors. In 1998, she was awarded the National Medal of Science, the highest scientific honor in the United States.
Cathleen Synge Morawetz’s legacy extends beyond her research and accomplishments. As a pioneering woman in the field of mathematics, she inspired countless women to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her dedication, perseverance, and groundbreaking work have made a lasting impact on the field of mathematics and continue to inspire future generations of mathematicians worldwide.
Awards:
– National Medal of Science (1998)